title: Treatment outcomes in AIDS-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the setting roll out of combination antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long-term survival for patients with AIDS-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is feasible in settings with available combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, given limited oncology resources, outcomes for AIDS-associated DLBCL in South Africa are unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective analysis of survival in patients with newly diagnosed AIDS-related DLBCL treated at a tertiary teaching hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and oral prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP-like chemotherapy (January 2004 until December 2010). HIV-related and lymphoma-related prognostic factors were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-six patients evaluated; median age 37.3 years, 52.8% men, and 61.1% black South Africans. Median CD4 count 184 cells per microliter (in 27.8% this was <100 cells/μL), 80% high risk according to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index. Concurrent Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 25%. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 40.5% (median OS 10.5 months, 95% confidence interval: 6.5 to 31.8). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or more (25.4% vs 50.0%, P = 0.01) and poor response to cART (18.0% vs 53.9%, P = 0.03) predicted inferior 2-year OS. No difference in 2-year OS was demonstrated in patients coinfected with M. tuberculosis (P = 0.87).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two-year OS for patients with AIDS-related DLBCL treated with CHOP like regimens and cART is comparable to that seen in the United States and Europe. Important factors effecting OS in AIDS-related DLBCL in South Africa include performance status at presentation and response to cART. Patients with comorbid M. tuberculosis or hepatitis B seropositivity seem to tolerate CHOP in our setting. Additional improvements in outcomes are likely possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, USA.
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de Witt
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Maartens
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Uldrick
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sissolak
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000069283:Rituximab; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; C571759:R-CHOP protocol; D000069283:Rituximab; D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone